Minutes of the Personnel Review Committee
for March 28, 2008

The Personnel Review Committee of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside was called to order at 4:15 P.M., in MOLN D 135 by Mary Kay Schleiter, Chair.  Also attending were members Karen Crooker, Fran Kavenik, and James Kinchen.  Evelyn Zepp was present as Secretary of the Faculty.

        1) The minutes of the meeting of February 15, 2008 were approved unanimously.

        2) Discussion of the process from this year.

                           The Chair presented two e-mails she had received.

                           The first discussed strengths in the process, but also felt a disconnect between the required documents and the sense of future promise of a candidate.  Particular examples cited were 1.3—verification of terminal  degree, and 3.5—request for signed letters on letterhead.  Members noted that it was not a question of mistrust of a Chair or an Executive Committee, but of their need to act objectively on behalf of the university as a whole. 

                           The second, from a PRC member who could not attend the meeting, asked about consistency from year to year in the value attached to accomplishment—particularly as concerned multiply-authored vs. single-authored research.  Members noted that disciplines vary in the norm for research authorship and that an explanation of this should be part of the Executive Committee’s presentation of a candidate’s case.  They also noted that the quality of research/creative activity (the importance of the contribution) remains more important than the quantity.  The members also noted that the character of the committee can change from year to year, although the overlap of members does help reduce this.  Finally, the members noted that the committee must ultimately rely on the people in the field.

                           The Chair will respond to the e-mails.

                           The members continued to discuss the question of consistency.  The Secretary of the Faculty will check UWPF Chapter 6 to see whether there is a statement that persons coming up early for tenure should not be held to a higher standard.  If there is not such a statement, the committee will send a request for an amendment to UWPF Chapter 6 to the University Committee.

                           Prof. Kinchen had prepared a document which made the criteria of the “checklist” into an actual physical checklist, with a sign-off by the Executive Committee.  This would come at the beginning of a tenure/promotion file and would take PRC more out of the business of clerical oversight, and allow more freedom to examine the quality of the dossier and file.  Prof. Kavenik moved to use this checklist as the 08-9 “Checklist” web document.  The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.  The Full Professor “checklist” will remain as is.

        3) Meeting with candidates and Chairs: April 25, 2008, Noon, Faculty/Staff lounge

                           The Chair will send specific invitations to the Chairs and candidates who will be coming up for tenure, as well as a general invitation to the campus.

                           Once the all-faculty election results are received, the new members will also be invited to this workshop.

        4) Miscellaneous Business

                           Members suggested that it would be good for PRC to communicate, through the Chairs, the expectations for tenure/promotion on the university level.  This could take place at the end of the second year.  It could also be suggested to Chairs that they encourage candidates to start their tenure file when they are up for their first contract renewal.  A member of PRC will present the idea briefly at the next Chairs/Directors meeting April 7th at noon.

5) The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 P.M. 

 

Submitted by Evelyn Zepp, Secretary of the Faculty